By this point, several published research articles and clinical trials have shown that vitamins D and C, as well as minerals such as zinc and magnesium, can reduce the severity of symptoms in COVID-19 patients. However, one researcher is now appealing to scientists to investigate another useful vitamin that may have been overlooked.
In an opinion article published in the magazine Limits in nutrition Thanutchaporn Kumrungsee, an assistant professor at Hiroshima University in Japan, suggested that vitamin B6 could play a crucial role in fighting the new coronavirus. (Related: The one-vitamin doctors urge everyone to take now.)
“There is growing evidence that vitamin B6 has a protective effect against chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes by suppressing inflammation, inflammation, oxidative stress and carbonyl stress,” the article reads. “In addition, vitamin B6 deficiency is associated with lower immune function and a higher susceptibility to viral infection.”
However, some health experts remain suspicious – and for good reason. Ali Webster, PhD, RD, and director of research and nutrition communication at the International Food Information Council, says it is still too early to determine whether the vitamin may lower the risk of experiencing negative COVID-19 symptoms.
“There are plausible biological mechanisms for it, and low levels of B6 in the body are associated with a weakened immune system. But the promise of a positive impact is often there, but the result of well-designed studies is disappointing,” she says.
Webster explains the research on the intake of vitamin B6 in supplement form to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, certain types of cancer and even cognitive decline is also a bit unconvincing.
“More research is needed in each of these areas, in addition to the work to determine its effect on COVID-19 severity,” she adds.
Brittany Busse, managing director, co-director at WorkCare, agrees that more research is needed, but notes that vitamin B6 is known to have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body, which can help you reduce COVID-19 prevent and combat symptoms. .
“There are many vitamins that can help reduce inflammation, and B6 is one of them,” she says.
She also adds that the severity of COVID-19 is largely based on how much inflammation your body has create in response to the virus. This is why it is important to keep inflammation levels low by eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and legumes. do regular, moderate exercise; sleep a lot and deal with stress.
“In a good, normal state of health, we want to have as little inflammation in our bodies as possible before we become infected with COVID,” says Busse. “Then we do what we can, once you get sick, to reduce your body’s excessive response to the virus.”
Similar to vitamins D and K, Busse says that vitamin B6 can work as an anti-inflammatory mechanism against the cytokine storm – which causes inflammation – that occurs during infection. If you get a virus, you can, in addition to vitamins C, D, K and minerals like zinc and magnesium, have a good base level of vitamin B6.
Until more research is done, and before you buy a vitamin B6 supplement, it is easiest to go for foods to make sure you are getting enough vitamin. Webster is found in animal proteins such as beef, poultry, plant sources such as potatoes and even fortified cereals, and the vitamin B6 helps the body to maintain protein metabolism in addition to supporting cognitive development and immune function.
If you are going to use a vitamin B6 supplement, Busse says that you should only take the recommended amount, as overdosing on the vitamin can lead to poor health results.
“Concentrate on diet first,” she says. “If you have a good, balanced diet, your body absorbs vitamins and minerals better.”
For more information, check out 5 Grocery Store Items That Help You Fight COVID.